Merlin the Wizard

The Merlin the Wizard
Their is no historical evidence that Merlin the Wizard existed.
The Arthurian legends were based on the books written by the
clerics and poets of the Medieval era or the Middles Ages. These
legends and myths about "the one, true King of the Britons" -
King Arthur - and the mystical
magical and prophetic world of Merlin were used by Kings of
England to authenticate their claims to the both the Welsh and
English thrones!

The Legend begins - How Merlin the Wizard got his name!
Merlin the Wizard, Merlin the Sorcerer, Merlin the Magician are
just some of the titles given to the prophet in the Legend of
Merlin. The the ninth-century chronicler Nennius wrote the
Historia Brittonum in which a character called Ambrosius was
featured.

This character was combined with a 6th Century Welsh fictional
bard called Myrddin ( who was mentioned in many Welsh poems ).
The man who invented Merlin the Wizard was a Welsh cleric called
Geoffrey of Monmouth. In 1136 Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote a book
called Historia Regum Britanniae - the History of the King's of
Britain. The Latin form of the name Myrddin was Merdinus.

Geoffrey of Monmouth 'Latinised' the legendary character's name to
Merlinus ( because the word 'merde' was viewed as vulgar and
obscene). Further credence was given to the stories about Merlin
the Wizard by the 'Black Book of Caernarvon' (Welsh: Llyfr du
Caerfyrddin). This book was written, in Welsh, in 1250 and
contained stories and poems relating to the heroes of Britain in
the Dark Ages including those connected with the legend of King
Arthur and Merlin the Wizard.

Merlin the Wizard

Merlin the Wizard

Merlin the Wizard

Merlin the Sorcerer

Merlin the Magician

The legend and myths about Merlin

The prophecies of Merlin and their influence on the history
of England and Wales

Who was Merlin the Wizard?
There are many magical legends which surround Merlin the
magician and wizard. Merlin was enchanted by the Lady of the
Lake, became the guardian of the young Arthur. He appeared as an
old, wise man, giving his wisdom to four successive British
kings. He was known as the Wild Man of the Woods during which
time he learned to talk to the animals. Merlin was reputed to be
a mystical Druid, a Celtic priest, Merlin the Wizard, Merlin the
Sorcerer, Merlin the Magician a man who possessed the knowledge
and secrets of the ancients. The mystical advisor to King Arthur
at Camelot. The population
knew, and believed, the old legends and myths about Merlin and
he was especially revered as a great prophet. Enter the Medieval
'Spin Doctors' of the English Kings!

The Prophecies of Merlin!
Merlin the Wizard was credited with making many prophecies. The
Medieval 'Spin Doctors' of the English Kings, especially King
Edward I and the Tudors used these prophecies to substantiate
their claims to both the English and Welsh thrones. King Edward
I went to the tremendous trouble and expense to build Caernarvon
castle in such a way that it fulfilled a prophecy of Merlin the
Wizard see
Caernarvon Castle Welsh Mythology
The Druid Wizard, Merlin, and several prophecies, were strongly
associated with Caernarvon! Merlin was believed to have been
born in a cave outside Caernarvon. The name Caernarvon is
believed to be derived from 'Caer Myrddin' meaning Merlin's town
or fortress. Merlin the Wizard was closely linked with King
Arthur and was even linked with the transportation of the great
Stonehenge stones! It was in the political interests of the
Medieval 'Spin Doctors' and the English Kings to be seen to
"fulfill" these ancient prophecies of Merlin the Wizard!

The Prophecies of Merlin - Fiction turns into Fact!
The stories, legends and myths about Merlin the Wizard, Merlin
the Sorcerer, Merlin the Magician and Merlin the Prophet play an
important role in the History of the Britons. The character of
Merlin the Wizard was invented by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Other
Medieval writers, poets and Chroniclers used the character of
Merlin the Wizard in their works and the stories of the
Knights of the Round Table
appeared. The Kings of England encouraged the belief in King
Arthur and Merlin to meet their own ends. The legends and myths
about Merlin continued to grow. Of course the stories were true
- the King said so! The King has fulfilled the ancient
prophecies of Merlin! Even up to the present day people are
confused as to whether Merlin the Wizard was an actual person -
which might be the reason you are reading this text! The legend
of Merlin is a perfect example of Fiction being turned into
Fact!

Merlin the Wizard and the Medieval 'Spin Doctors'
The Medieval 'Spin Doctors' of the old English Kings elevated
Merlin the Wizard, Merlin the Sorcerer, Merlin the Magician and
Merlin Prophet to a position of high, unassailable prominence.
Merlin was surrounded with magic and mystery. People did not
question his existence - until now...

Merlin the Wizard

Arthurian Legend

Merlin the Wizard - Was the Life of King Arthur Fact or
Fiction?

Merlin the Wizard - What influence did the Arthurian legend
have on the actual history of England and Wales?